Belgian city upholds ban on Islamic burka

MAASEIK, Belgium, June 13 (UPI) -- A court victory allows the Belgian city of Maaseik to maintain its ban on the wearing of the Islamic burka, Expatica reported.

The ban was challenged by Khadija El Ouazzani, a Moroccan woman who, along with four other women, wore a complete Islamic burka on city streets.

A magistrate's court rejected Ouazzani's challenge Monday.

The ruling is the first time a Belgian court has banned a veil or burka, a cloak that covers the entire body, Expatica said.

"A lot of colleagues in Belgium are considering a ban on burkas or face veils," Maaseik Mayor Jan Creemers said. "They have waited for this ruling because they feel strengthened by a ban from a court."